Rocori Gets First Win In Home Opener

COLD SPRING -- The Rocori Spartans secured their first win of the season on Thursday evening in their home opener at the Cold Spring Baseball Park.

The Spartans exploded for 10 runs en route to beating St. Cloud Apollo 10-7 in a Central Lakes Conference matchup.

The fifth inning proved to be the difference maker in the game for both teams. Rocori, carrying a 3-2 lead into the fifth inning, gave up four runs to the Eagles in the top half of the fifth to fall behind 6-3.

But Rocori answered back in the bottom half of the fifth inning, going off for six runs to regain the lead and not look back.

Sam Young led the way for the Spartans, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one run scored. William Huls went 2-for-3 with three runs scored, Jordan Barth went 1-for-3 with two RBI and one run scored and Mason Primus went 1-for-3 with one RBI and one run scored.

Brandon Gill got the win on the mound for Rocori, pitching 2 1/3 innings in relief. He gave up no hits, one run, two walks and struck out four. Connor Schoborg starting the game for the Spartans, earning a no decision. He pitched 4 2/3 innings, giving up 10 hits, four earned runs, no walks and striking out three.

Isaac Holthaus and Casey Hormann led the way for Apollo in its season opener, each going 1-for-3 with one RBI. Joey Atkinson and Peter Nelson each added two hits for the Eagles.

Joey Atkinson picked up the loss for Apollo, pitching the first 4 2/3 innings in the game. He gave up eight hits, four earned runs, one walk and struck out one.

Rocori improves to 1-1 in the Central Lakes Conference and 1-1 overall with the win. Apollo drops to 0-1 in the CLC and 0-1 overall with the loss.

The Spartans are back in action on Tuesday, April 18 when they travel to Brainerd to take on the Warriors in a conference doubleheader. The first game is scheduled for 4 p.m., with the second game to follow.